Tornado Season is Here

The recent events in South Ms. reminds us that in our area of the Country, almost any time of the year can be tornado season. Here's some tips to help you always be prepared:

Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

Assemble a Ready Kit that Includes

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Non-perishable food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person per day.
• Protective clothing, bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
• Items for infants.
• Special items for elderly or disabled family members, such as extra eyeglasses, medications, insurance information and items for service dogs.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to restore natural gas service.)

Monitor and Keep Informed

Follow local radio, television, NOAA Weather Radio and local online sources including our Twitter and Facebook Accounts and WinstonWebNews.